Beth Israel Religious School's mission is to develop and strengthen the Jewish identity of students in kindergarten through twelfth grade by building their knowledge, skills, and commitment to lead full Jewish lives. Our comprehensive curriculum includes study of Torah, holidays, Jewish lifecycle events, Israel, Jewish history and contemporary Jewish life, tefillah (prayer), mitzvot (commandments), ethics, values, Hebrew reading, and Hebrew conversation. Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam projects, family programs, and field trips are all included in the students' educational experience and emphasize the importance of being part of the synagogue and wider Jewish community. Our Bar and Bat Mitzvah and Madrichim (leadership) programs provide opportunities for students to continue their Jewish education through high school. Beth Israel Religious School is the educational arm of Beth Israel Congregation and is guided by the principles of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. We are proud to have a dedicated staff of veteran teachers, as well as teachers who are students themselves at local universities or graduate programs. Students, teachers and parents form a community in which the knowledge of Torah, practice of Jewish traditions, and connection to the Jewish people are valued.

Elementary Program

Grades K–1 meet Sunday mornings. Grade 2 meets on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons. Grades 3–5 meet on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

The youngest students at Beth Israel are introduced to Jewish learning through a program rich in Jewish music, games, stories, and arts and crafts activities. Students learn about the Jewish holidays, have exposure to the Hebrew language, and engage in tefillah which is age appropriate and interactive. Kindergarten and first grade families celebrate the beginning of formal Jewish education with a Consecration ceremony in the fall, and have other family programs throughout the year. In second grade, students begin their formal study of Hebrew reading and writing. In the elementary program, students gain proficiency in Hebrew reading, writing, and siddur (prayerbook) skills. Each Sunday morning there is a period in which students work individually with high school or adult tutors to improve their Hebrew reading. Conversational Hebrew is introduced as a living language, and as our connection with Jews worldwide. In Judaic studies, students learn more about holidays, mitzvot, and values in a hands-on curriculum designed to help them experience all facets of Jewish life, and have family programs which help build the home-school connection.

Middle School Program

Grade 6 meets on Sunday mornings and Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Grade 7 meets on Sundays and Wednesdays. Grade 8 meets on Sunday mornings.

The middle school program addresses the many issues important to our students at this time in their lives. The goals for the religious school during the middle school years are to increase learning in both subject areas and skills, while engaging students in quality discussions and activities as they explore their own Jewish identities. Reviewing Jewish lifecycle events, exploring the concepts of mitzvot, contemplating Jewish ethics and values, looking at Talmud and other traditional Jewish texts, learning the history of the Jewish people, thinking about what it means to be a Jew in today’s world, coming together as a community each week for tefillot, and engaging in a formal study of conversational Hebrew are all components of the program. Middle school students also engage in several tzedakah and tikkun olam projects throughout the year, participate in a series of six family programs to learn together in preparation for Bar and Bat Mitzvah, and meet regularly with Rabbi Dobrusin. All 6th grade students participate in a weekend retreat – Being Jewish, Living Jewish - at Tamarack Camps, led by the Rabbi and other professional staff of Beth Israel. We are proud to offer conversational Hebrew at an immersion level and text study classes at an advanced level in the middle school. These classes are designed for students who have attended Hebrew Day School in the past, as well as students who have an extensive Hebrew background from other learning experiences. Students whose families are not Beth Israel members are welcome to attend the classes, and encouraged to call for more information.

High School Programs

Madrichim Program. Through training sessions, seminars and work in various settings throughout the religious school and synagogue, 9th through 12th grade students earn money while learning about the various activities and institutions which make up Beth Israel Congregation. They serve as office and library assistants, classroom aides, Hebrew tutors, junior congregation leaders, and as mentors and role models for younger students.

Additional Classes and Programs. Our high school students are encouraged to take advantage of the Hebrew classes offered through Keshet Ann Arbor. In the spring, we will offer a high school trip, open to all Beth Israel high school students, spending three days together exploring the Jewish and general sights of a different city each, and having a fabulous time together. Our high school students are encouraged to participate in informal study sessions with Rabbi Dobrusin, come to adult synagogue lectures and events as appropriate, be active in USY or other youth groups, and attend Jewish camps and Israel programs.

Adult Education

The Education Department offers a variety of programs to interest learners of all ages. Included are opportunities to study Hebrew, a Sunday night lecture series (generally from 7:45 pm . 9:00 pm, with refreshments) featuring dynamic presenters from local universities, text study classes on the weekly Torah portion and other topics, special holiday study sessions, and our biannual Rosenberg scholar in residence weekend. Most classes and lectures are open to the public at no change.

See the adult education page.

Educational Link

Play the Famous portraits on Israeli stamps game>

Please send comments or suggestions to The Beth Israel Webmaster.